European standards for circular design of fishing gear

Jirat Sarmkasat/Shutterstock.com

The EVS-EN 17988 series of European standards on the circular design of fishing gear and aquaculture equipment has officially been published, marking a significant milestone in promoting circularity within the fishing gear industry.

These standards provide a comprehensive framework to support the circular design and life-cycle management of fishing gear and aquaculture equipment.

The EVS-EN 17988 series is designed to guide producers, designers, and stakeholders in creating fishing gear and aquaculture equipment that aligns with circular economy principles.

The standards cover all aspects of a product's life cycle, from initial design to disposal or recycling, ensuring that materials can be reused, repaired or repurposed effectively.

The importance and benefits of the new standards

The EVS-EN 17988 series is part of the movement towards circularity in the fishing and aquaculture industry. It addresses critical challenges such as marine plastic pollution, loss of fishing gear, and inefficient resource use.

The series facilitates innovation, supports environmental regulations, and improves waste management by standardising circular practices.

Fishing gear and aquaculture equipment, often made from plastics, contribute significantly to marine litter when discarded improperly. Without these standards, the industry would lack a cohesive framework to address these issues.

The EVS-EN 17988 series provides clear guidelines to minimize environmental harm, support circular economy, and align with EU directives such as the Port Reception Facilities (PRF) Directive and the Single Use Plastics (SUP) Directive.

The standards offer a practical roadmap for industry to adopt sustainable practices, reduce costs, and meet regulatory requirements. Society benefits from cleaner oceans and preserved marine ecosystems, while the environment gains from reduced plastic pollution and enhanced material reuse.

The series includes:

• EVS-EN 17988-1 General requirements and guidelines for circular design,
• EVS-EN 17988-2 User manuals and labelling,
• EVS-EN 17988-3 Technical requirements and guidelines,
• EVS-EN 17988-4 Environmental and circularity requirements and guidelines,
• EVS-EN 17988-5 Circular business models,
• EVS-EN 17988-6 Requirements and guidelines for digitalization of information of components of fishing gear and aquaculture equipment.

A supporting technical specification, CEN/TS 18101, defines the terms and definitions essential for implementing the standards.

With the publication of these standards, the fishing industry takes an important step towards a sustainable future.